- Emotionally-Focused Therapy
- ACT and CBT
- Spanish speaking
About Paul
Dr. Paul Fernandez is a CA Psychologist (19972) with 30 years of clinical experience. He works with people who are dealing with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, grief, trauma and life changes. He provides therapy in English and Spanish and practices in California.
Fernandez has long experience serving Latino and Hispanic communities in Southern California. He pays attention to how culture, family expectations, immigration, spirituality, and language shape feelings and behavior. When clients want to, he includes faith, family values, and cultural traditions in sessions.
He focuses on clear, practical work rather than only talking. Sessions look at patterns that keep problems going and build tools for coping, communication, boundaries, and managing strong emotions. He uses approaches such as Emotionally-Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Client-Centered Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Existential Therapy to address real-life concerns.
People come to him for help with substance use and recovery. He explores what contributes to addictive behavior, identifies triggers, and supports development of healthier strategies without defining someone by their past choices.
He also helps people facing career stress, chronic illness or caregiver strain, body image and self-esteem issues, attachment or control problems, and the stresses that come with blended families, adoption, or aging. He listens carefully, respects cultural differences, and works at a pace each person prefers.
How his approaches translate to online work
Emotionally-Focused Therapy (EFT) focuses on identifying and working with core emotions and attachment patterns to change how people respond to each other and to themselves. It can help when feelings feel overwhelming or when relationship patterns keep repeating.Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) teaches practical skills for noticing thoughts and feelings without getting stuck in them, and for committing to actions that match personal values. It is often used for anxiety, stress, and life transitions.
Client-Centered Therapy emphasizes a respectful, nonjudgmental stance that helps people speak openly and explore what matters most to them. It supports work on self-esteem, decision-making, and meaningful change.
Choosing the right approach is part of the process. The therapist will work collaboratively to see which methods fit the client’s goals, needs, and preferences and may combine elements from different approaches as appropriate.
Session format options are not specified in the biography, so confirm the current session options before booking. Online work can make it easier to fit therapy into busy schedules, reduce travel time, and allow for shorter check-ins when needed. Some formats also reduce bandwidth or do not require video if that helps someone connect. These practical benefits can help therapy fit into everyday life.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Also works with
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
30+ years
Listed in
California
Languages
English, Spanish
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he address?
He works with stress, anxiety, addictions, relationship and family concerns, trauma and abuse, grief, self-esteem, career strain, and coping with life changes.
How would you describe his therapeutic style?
He uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy alongside ACT, Client-Centered Therapy, CBT, and Existential Therapy to look at emotions, patterns, and practical coping strategies.
How much clinical experience does he have?
He has 30 years of clinical experience working with a wide range of emotional and behavioral concerns.
What are his credentials and where is he based?
He is listed as CA Psychologist 19972 and practices in California.
Which languages are supported in sessions?
Sessions are offered in English and Spanish.
Does he work with international clients?
International clients are not currently accepted.
How are sessions paid for and what does it cost?
Cost varies with location; sessions use a subscription that can be canceled at any time.
How do I begin working with him?
Select the See online therapy options button, complete a short matching questionnaire, and schedule a first session.
Profile details come from information the therapist supplied to BetterHelp. Credential and registration rules differ between the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.